The Helena Police Department is a member of the Montana Law Enforcement Testing Consortium (MTLETC). The purpose of the Consortium is to provide a combined testing process for multiple Montana law enforcement agencies which will create a qualified applicant pool of candidates.

Basically this is a one-stop shopping for the police applicant to apply with multiple (participating) police agencies. MTLETC will conduct testing in different locations around the state at different times throughout the year (click here for testing schedule). The MTLETC allows eligibility for 12 months from the date of testing. Those that wish to remain on the HPD hiring eligibility list must retake the consortium test every 12 months. Details on the application process and how to register.It is not necessary for you to take the test in Helena. Please refer to the consortium schedule for testing locations and times. At the conclusion of the testing cycle, all consortium members receive a final list of those eligible.

To Begin The Application Process

All candidates who wish to test for the Helena Police Department must complete and pass a written exam and a physical fitness examination. The written exam requires a passing score of 70%. The physical fitness requirements are established through the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. The exam and assessment is conducted and proctored by members of the Consortium with support from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

You must pass both parts of this process, to include the written and physical fitness assessment to be considered eligible

Interview & Hiring Process

Interviews are a two part process. Once you have passed all of the above applications will be reviewed and a panel will be assembled for oral interviews. Depending on where you rank for oral interviews you may be asked to come back for a final interview with Chief McGee.

Once you have interviewed with Chief McGee the list is compiled and background investigations will be initiated. If candidates are successful in passing the background investigation, a Conditional Offer of Employment will be made provided there are openings.

Upon acceptance of an officer position the candidate must perform and pass a medical physical and a psychological exam.

A Few Details About Us

Newly-hired officers must complete a 12-month probationary period.

If not POST certified at the time of hire, officers must complete the 12-week Peace Officer Basic course at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and obtain POST Basic Certification.

Officers must also successfully complete a 14-week Field Training & Evaluation Program where they are trained and evaluated by veteran department Field Training Officers through field work and daily training and evaluation.

Work Conditions

Work Day: Patrol Officers are assigned to a 5-day on/3-day off shift rotation, working 9 hour shifts. Probationary officers may be assigned to any shift based on department needs and should expect to work all patrol shifts throughout their probationary period.

Shift Assignment: Officers are eligible to bid for a requested work shift after completion of their probationary period. Shift bids are for 6-month periods and are awarded based on seniority.

For further information on our hiring, application, or testing process please contact Assistant Chief Hagen at 406-447-8479 or email him at Shagen(at)helenamt.gov.